This is a short, quick and easy loop and obviously popular. Much of the river s course through west virginia is designated as the new river gorge national river, and the new river is one of the nations american heritage rivers. This is a short cutoff trail back to a parking lot on fdr 95. Heres a new river gorge river map, highlighting access routes to the new river and labeling named rapids. Red river gorge red river gorge, located within the daniel boone national forest, contains examples of many geological formations, including 41 natural bridges. Red river gorge forest service map red byrd arch short route map. The red river gorge in the daniel boone national forest, muir valley, and all rrgccowned property which includes miller fork recreational preserve, bald rock recreational preserve, and pendergrassmurray recreational preserve are closed. Built in the early 1900s, this one lane tunnel once provided railroad transport of timber from the gorge. Tourists first visited the red river gorge as early as the late 1800s. Go to hawks nest state park and head down to the river. An interesting way to enter the red river gorge is through the 900foot nada tunnel, located along ky 77. Complete searchable hike map with ratings for all hikes including length, difficulty, streamsfalls, views, solitude and camping. Hiking kentuckys red river gorge by sean patrick hill, published by menasha ridge press, birmingham, al, 2012. Top 10 hidden or secret hikes in red river gorge unmarked.
Different types of plants and animals, including mastodons, mammoths, and giant bison, lived in the region at this time. The river it spans appears green from the reflection of. The red river gorge is a place where mighty sandstone arches rise to the heavens and forest niches hide delicate wildflowers that grow nowhere else on the planet. Pdf files and external links will open in a new window. The red river gorge is a unique and scenic natural area within the daniel boone national forest in eastern kentucky roughly one hour east of lexington. Red river gorge backpacking guide 3d map outragegis mapping. An unmarked trail signifies that part or all of the trail will be on unofficial trails.
Red river gorge picture of red river gorge geological. The only loop hike that follows a river in the todd lake area of the gwnf, this hike has several nice view points, as well as a 4. In 2003, some 30,000 acres in the gorge area were designated as a national archeological district and the gorge was added to the. Clipping bolts can seem pretty basic, you just clip and go. The river it spans appears green from the reflection of the mossy rocks and trees overhead. Turn right and follow ky15 to the intersection with ky11.
A recreation permit is required for overnight camping in the red river gorge geological. Mike nyerges the hikers, twentysomethings from northern kentucky, had ventured down a trail in the dark, surrounded on all sides by miles of wilderness. The red river gorge, cave run, north, south and central maps are also periodically available for purchase at the. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible yearround. Many consider these ten hikes to be among the best at the red river gorge trails. Turn left and go northerly on ky77 to the intersection with ky715. Today, it is estimated that between 250,000 and 750,000 people visit it each year. The national park service has a couple of fine writeups. This trail network also ties in with the sheltowee trace national recreation trail, a 257mile pathway that runs the length of the national forest and extends through the gorge into tennessee. It too felt different from the other trails in the gorge. From the west, follow ky15 southerly to the intersection of ky15 and ky77. From the parking area head down the yellow blazed connector trail as it descends steeply to the purple blazed north river gorge trail in 0.
See links above for more details about each climbing area. George m davis elementary school home page george m. Backcountry camping permits are required for those who wish to stay in the red river gorge overnight. This is a current, complete, and well researched the author has personally hiked every trail he writes about guide to the official trails in the red river gorge area. North river gorge trail virginia wilderness committee. New river gorge bridge fayetteville, west virginia atlas. Google maps doesnt take you to the correct entrance. Another trail that shows the diversity of the gorge. The new river is a river which flows through the u. Stop by red river gorge national geological area for authentic kentucky hospitality. Please note, all of these hikes follow unmarked trails. Known for its abundant natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and spectacular sandstone cliffs, the red river gorge was designated as a geological area by the forest service in 1974.
On this page, we will address issues that seem to be of the biggest concern to this specific area of the danial boone national forest. Disc golf courses adventures on the gorge has a popular course that is located right out of their parking lot. Continue straight ahead as the north river gorge trail widens to to a grassy roadbed, with purple blazes. Some unmarked trails are easy to follow, while others require a map, compass and navigating skills. This rugged region of geological wonders astounds visitors from other places, but it is beloved by kentuckians and known the world over to rock climbers, partly because of its many overhanging cliffs. Red river gorge zipline 455 cliffview road, campton, ky 41 red river gorge retreats 1890 natural bridge rd, slade, ky 40376 callies lake and campground in red river gorge 5515 campton rd, stanton, ky 40380 red river gorge campground 2270 star gap rd. The first people arrived in the red river gorge as the last glaciers were retreating.
Students have until the end of february to collect sponsors either online. For more detailed information, the usfs safety page provides a comprehensive guide on the subject. Red river gorge trail map pdf or in the red river gorge and indian creek areas north read content of pdf file in asp net of ky 15 must display a permit. Established in 1978, the npsprotected area stretches for 53 miles 85 km from just downstream of hinton to hawks nest state park near ansted new river gorge is also home to some of the countrys best whitewater rafting. Official trails and recreation areas in the red river gorge unit of the daniel boone national forest and natural. Red river gorge endtoend trail closed kentucky alltrails. Red river gorge hiking trail information for red river gorge. This tunnel, open to onelane traffic only, was built for use by a logging railroad during the early 1900s. But in the midtwentieth century, more people began visiting the gorge for recreational purposes. The trail is perfect as far as elevation, length, and sights to see.
The book showcases 25 of the best hikes in the gorge, as well as a backofbook bonus on nearby trails. The best time of the year for this circuit is in the late summer or early fall, when the river is lower. New river gorge national river and nps guide to paddling the new riverhinton to thurmond fyi. If you enjoy hiking, this is the best place to come and get off the beaten path. Red river gorge scenic byway directions americas byways. Kentuckys red river gorge, slade, kentucky southern living. One day a year it is legal to jump off of this astoundingly tall bridge that spans an appalachian gorge. As part of the rei coop family, were dedicated to making websites and mobile apps that help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places they love to play. Possibilities include being a new river that was not on the fry.
National natural landmarks national natural landmarks u. This trail network also ties in with the sheltowee trace national recreation trail, a 257mile pathway that runs the length of the national forest. River, which runs through the gorge, as a national scenic river in 1993. They are sold at many area gas stations and convenience stores and must be displayed in any vehicle that is parked within the red river gorge between the hours of 10pm and 6am. This web page has links to a multitude of downloadable pdf trail guides and maps throughout the daniel boone national forest. I cant find a compass at that scale, plus id like to use it for other maps in the future. The red river gorge scenic byway follows ky11, ky715, and ky15 from stanton to zachariah. With eight fords of north river, it can be a challenge when the water is high. The site also supports an extremely diverse flora, including endemic, rare and relict species. River users should consult with an experienced river runner or ranger before attempting river. Top 5 gorgeous trails in the red river gorge, kentucky. For more detailed information, the usfs safety page provides a.
Part of the ohio river watershed, it is about 360 miles 580 km long the origins of the name are unclear. The federal highway administration designated 46 miles of roads around the gorge as national scenic byways shown in fig. Stories and films the new river gorge been the setting of so many adventures throughout the years, but its not just the rivers, cliffs, and the wilderness that have created the adventure, but also the people who has lived, visited, and explored our little corner of west virginia. Distinguished from other red river gorge guides, this book provides readers not only with detailed maps, sharp photos, and individual.
Grand sandstone arches tower over cool, secluded valleys of rhododendron and hemlock. This is a new river gorge climbing map 200 kb, showing the points of interest to rock climbers in the bridge area around the canyon rim visitor center. The new river gorge national river is a unit of the united states national park service designed to protect and maintain the new river gorge in southern west virginia. Hiking kentuckys red river gorge is the definitive guide to trails in the red river gorge geologic area, natural bridge state park, and clifty wilderness. Mountain bike trails near red river gorge mtb project.
Safety in the red river gorge there are many safety issues in the red river gorge. New river gorge bridge fayetteville, west virginia. This challenging trail climbs from streamside to ridgetop and back down again several times. Continue straight ahead without crossing the river. You can follow any responses to this entry through the rss 2. According to the people who know such things, the new river is the second oldest river in the world. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Explore unique restaurants, attractions and outdoors adventures.